Commission welcomes new 1 in 3 Be Free app

Commission welcomes new 1 in 3 Be Free app

July 25, 2016

The Human Rights Commission has welcomed the launch of a new app, which is set to empower more women to deal with, or escape, abusive, or controlling relationships.

The 1 in 3 Be Free App is an educational tool, designed to help women screen for abuse in their relationship, educate them on the different types of abuse and connect them with support services in their region of New Zealand – should they require it.

Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Jackie Blue says the app will help to not only change lives, but save them too.

“1 in 3 women in New Zealand will experience violence over her lifetime, hence its name of the app. It will be a game changer for many women, who far too often do not recognise the early warning signs of an abusive relationship and, by the time they do, are trapped.

“This app will help women understand the nature of abusive relationships and connect them to the services and assistance they may require in what can often be very difficult and sometimes dangerous situations.

“For some time, experts have been calling for an integrated model for how services respond to family violence. That change is beginning but it is now urgent, with this app enabling more women to come forward.

“I would like to congratulate Deborah McKenzie and Inner City Women for developing this app, which marks an important step towards turning our appalling family violence stats around,” Dr Blue says.

The 1 in 3 Be Free App is available for download now from the Google Play store and the Apple App store (coming soon).